KUALA LUMPUR – KSK Land, a leading lifestyle property and design company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of KSK Group Berhad, has launched its community-focused initiative – the #KSKCares White Flag Rental Assistance Programme.
It aims to address the growing needs of the rakyat impacted by economic challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. True to its name, the programme was dedicated to granting financial support for families and individuals struggling to meet their housing rental commitments, over three months.
Through the #KSKCares Rental Assistance Programme, KSK Land has provided three-month rental support to 56 households in the Klang Valley area, amounting to a total of RM108,600.
In a statement to the media, Joanne Kua, chief executive officer of KSK Group and managing director of KSK Land, commented, “We took notice of the White Flag (Bendera Putih) movement and wanted to lend a hand to those in need.
"While many received food and medical aid, we came across recent findings that vulnerable communities were also having trouble paying their rent. Putting a roof over your head is just as important as other essentials, and as community builders, we felt that was a gap that we could help to fulfil.
"As such, we are happy that we could contribute to these families with the #KSKCares Rental Assistance Programme and ease their burden while they get back on their feet.”
A recent report by the Crisis Management Centre, “Consolidated Data Analysis of Malaysia’s Kita Jaga Kita Movement”, highlighted that the need for housing rental aid comprises 31.5% of the requirements with people citing losing their jobs due to the pandemic as a reason for being unable to pay their rents.
"The study also implied the potential of the rental gap being a contributor to mental health issues in post-pandemic Malaysia with 67.7% of people self-declaring stress levels before receiving assistance as “very stressed”.
Many of the benefitted families have expressed the importance of this rental aid in alleviating the financial and mental stress that had plagued them during the pandemic, which also provided them more space to focus on reviving their source of income.
Joanne commented, “The past two years have impacted the livelihoods of many, forcing people to re-organise their priorities and make significant sacrifices. When we recently met with our programme beneficiaries we saw firsthand the difficulties they are facing, which many have proven to be heart-rending.
"In this difficult time, we believe that more can be done by various stakeholders apart from providing aid for the long run. If we work together to support every level of society as a collective unit, we can remain resilient in the days to come and then emerge stronger together as a community.”
As a lifestyle property and design company that focuses on placemaking and creating a healthy and resilient community, KSK Land intends to continue staying in touch with the community’s needs. It hopes that the programme can help inspire more fellow industry players and individuals to lend their strength to the people in these times of need. – The Vibes, September 10, 2021
